Cleaning filter socks

[hardcorn77]

Steps I follow.

1) Wash on large load no bleach to remove most dirt. My machine does not have a prewash or id just use that

2) wash on large load with bleach. About a cup

3) remove sock and let air dry

4) run wash again with no sock and small amount of detergent and bleach to clean the machine after for clothes uses.

Have enough socks to last 2 weeks a 3 day intervals so I store all the dirty ones in a read sea salt bucket till it’s time to clean them all collectivist.

Right on… ya I picked up 8 so that should last me a couple of weeks. I’ve learned from this post that no one uses the dryer on them. I’ve always rinsed them when I switched them out so it’s not a bunch of garbage drying to them.

 

[Tangdora]

Right on… ya I picked up 8 so that should last me a couple of weeks. I’ve learned from this post that no one uses the dryer on them. I’ve always rinsed them when I switched them out so it’s not a bunch of garbage drying to them.

No need for dryer. I start my wash when I add my last clean set which last for 3-4 days. The sock will be air dried well before then.

 

[skey44]

I’m here to say ditch the socks. I run filter cups with poly fil floss off Amazon. Works great and I only change the floss every 3 weeks or so.
Filter socks seem like an unnecessary item for most home aquariums. I’m sure there’s a time and place, but for me not as a permanent filtration method in a system.

 

[Fish Fan]

I’m here to say ditch the socks. I run filter cups with poly fil floss off Amazon. Works great and I only change the floss every 3 weeks or so.
Filter socks seem like an unnecessary item for most home aquariums. I’m sure there’s a time and place, but for me not as a permanent filtration method in a system.

I couldn't agree more. Go filter cups and Poly Fil

Or no mechanical at all

 

[Timfish]

Consider not using them at all. Fish poop is an important part of the carbonate cycle in aquaria and an important source of nutrients for corals.

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/01/090115164607.htm
https://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/00842/95393/103168.pdf

 

[skey44]

I couldn't agree more. Go filter cups and Poly Fil

Or no mechanical at all

team why work more? I really just do all for reef, nitrates, glass cleaning, and water changes, plus heavy feedings. I am getting back to spot feeding corals though as I had moved to broadcast feeding only, but I do think there’s benefits to spot feeding with flow off as I saw immediate improvements there.

 

[BZOFIQ]

Steps I follow.

1) Wash on large load no bleach to remove most dirt. My machine does not have a prewash or id just use that

2) wash on large load with bleach. About a cup

3) remove sock and let air dry

4) run wash again with no sock and small amount of detergent and bleach to clean the machine after for clothes uses.

Have enough socks to last 2 weeks a 3 day intervals so I store all the dirty ones in a read sea salt bucket till it’s time to clean them all collectivist.

I do similar but less steps.

1) Wash large load with bleach
2) Invert socks, wash large load with bleach - extra rinse
3) Remove and air dry

No need to run another cycle, you literally just disinfected the machine twice.

Wife is involved in this process 100%, SHE does it once a month+. I have probably 30+ socks in rotation.

 

[Tangdora]

I do similar but less steps.

1) Wash large load with bleach
2) Invert socks, wash large load with bleach - extra rinse
3) Remove and air dry

No need to run another cycle, you literally just disinfected the machine twice.

Wife is involved in this process 100%, SHE does it once a month+. I have probably 30+ socks in rotation.

My machine is vintage lol she not as good as disinfecting on the first two go around haha

 

[mcarroll]

I’m here to say ditch the socks. I run filter cups with poly fil floss off Amazon. Works great and I only change the floss every 3 weeks or so.
Filter socks seem like an unnecessary item for most home aquariums. I’m sure there’s a time and place, but for me not as a permanent filtration method in a system.

I think the main idea is that socks are reusable instead of disposable so it's (a lot) better for the environment.

 

[Tom.E]

I simply let them soak in hydrogen peroxide for 24 hours.

 

[FishLvR]

Washing machine folks, how? I have top loader kenmore elite and there is a tray for soap and a place for bleach and all that, but isn't there soap residue in the machine that could be on the socks? Am I just being a worry wort? I would LOVE to just toss them in and run em.

 

[mcarroll]

Washing machine folks, how? I have top loader kenmore elite and there is a tray for soap and a place for bleach and all that, but isn't there soap residue in the machine that could be on the socks? Am I just being a worry wort? I would LOVE to just toss them in and run em.

A soak in bleach water is all it takes...washing machine is GROSS and 100% overkill.

Don't worrk about the soap residue – worry about the skimmate residue!!

 

[FishLvR]

A soak in bleach water is all it takes...washing machine is GROSS and 100% overkill.

Don't worrk about the soap residue – worry about the skimmate residue!!

Well that's how I do it now. 5 gallon bucket, a capful or two of bleach, rinse rinse rinse, then prime and dry. But if I could just toss them in the washing machine. SO MUCH EASIER

 

[mcarroll]

Honestly, if you have a utility sink or other place to make a cleaning mess, you can clean a filter sock in just a few seconds – just use a hose with a little water pressure (thumb pressure or a special nozzle) and they easily come clean. No additives, no bleach, no electricity – and it can go right back into service.